Gout is caused by the build up of uric acid in the body that forms crystals and causes pain in the joints. Here are the foods to avoid if you are suffering from this type of arthritis.

Western diet: Eating lots of processed meat and salty foods could up the likelihood

The food questionnaires of over 44,000 men aged 40 to 75 years with no history of gout were analysed over a 26-year period.

Participants with a higher DASH score - meaning they ate lots of fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes, such as peas, beans and lentils, low-fat dairy products and whole grains, and less salt, sweetened beverages, and red and processed meats - had a lower risk of gout.

Those who stuck to a ‘Western’ diet - which included a higher intake of red and processed meats, fries, refined grains, sweets and desserts - were at a higher risk.

These findings were independent of known risk factors for gout, such as age, body mass index, high blood pressure, alcohol and coffee intake.

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Gout symptoms: Severe pain attacks can happen during the night

The study authors said the DASH diet “may provide an attractive preventive dietary approach for the risk of gout” since it also treats high blood pressure which affects the majority of gout sufferers.

High levels of uric acid in the blood stream cab be caused by crash dieting, foods rich in uric acid, stress, prolonged illness and injury, according to the UK Gout Society.

Sometimes people develop gout because they have an inherited abnormality or disorder associated with increased production of cells in the body.

Symptoms of gout include extremely painful attacks in the joints of the foot, knee, ankle, hand and wrist that develops during the night or early hours of the morning.

It can also cause red and shiny skin that peels, a mild fever, loss of appetite and tiredness.